November 25, 2023
Meet Joseph Boakai the New president of Liberia
The new president of Liberia is Joseph Nyumah Boakai. He was elected on November 20, 2023, defeating incumbent president George Weah. Joseph Boakai is a former vice president of Liberia and has served in government for over 30 years. He is the country’s third democratically elected head of state.
Family Life
Joseph Boakai was born in the remote village of Worsonga, Lofa County, Liberia, on November 30, 1944. He is the eldest of seven children born to parents who were farmers. Joseph Boakai’s childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. He often had to walk barefoot to school, and his family struggled to make ends meet.
Despite these challenges, Joseph Boakai was a bright and ambitious student. He excelled in school and went on to study at the University of Liberia. After graduating, he worked as a manager for the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC).
In 1978, Joseph Nyumah Boakai married Kartumu Boakai. The couple has four children together. Joseph Boakai is a devout Baptist and a deacon of the Effort Baptist Church. He is also a member of several civic and professional organizations.
Joseph Boakai is a dedicated family man and a strong supporter of women’s empowerment. He has spoken out against gender-based violence and has advocated for increased access to education and healthcare for women and girls.
Joseph Boakai is a role model for Liberians of all ages. He is a living example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Political Career
Joseph Boakai’s political journey began in 1973 when he joined the Ministry of Agriculture as a resident manager. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the managing director of the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC) in 1980. In 1983, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture under President Samuel Doe, a position he held until 1985.
After a brief stint in the private sector, Joseph Boakai returned to public service in 1992 as managing director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC). He later worked as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., and founded an agricultural equipment and consultancy firm.
Boakai’s political career took a significant turn in 2005 when he joined the Unity Party and became the running mate of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a prominent economist and former World Bank official. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Joseph =Boakai won the presidential election, and Joseph Nyumah Boakai was sworn in as vice president on January 16, 2006.
During his time as vice president, Joseph Nyumah Boakai played a key role in Liberia’s post-war reconstruction and development efforts. He oversaw the implementation of various government programs, including the reconstruction of infrastructure, the rehabilitation of the health and education sectors, and the promotion of economic growth. He also represented Liberia at numerous international conferences and meetings.
In 2011, Joseph Boakai was chosen as the Unity Party’s presidential candidate for the 2011 election. He ran against incumbent President Sirleaf but lost in a close race. Joseph Boakai remained vice president for the remainder of Sirleaf’s term and continued to play a prominent role in the government.
In 2017, Joseph Nyumah Boakai ran for president again, this time as the Unity Party’s candidate. He faced incumbent President George Weah, a former AC Milan soccer star, in a runoff election. George Weah ultimately won the election, but Joseph Boakai remained a strong opposition leader.
Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s perseverance paid off in 2023 when he once again ran for president. He campaigned on a platform of economic development, poverty reduction, and good governance. In a closely contested election, Joseph Boakai defeated George Weah to become the 30th president of Liberia.
